Wen has penned a beautiful story of hope, faith, history, and so much more in The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. The characters are relatable, likable, and feel like family. The history is both intriguing and inviting. And yet the contemporary timeline is just the same. I didn't favor one over the other. And they come together in such a poetic way -well done Amanda Wen!

This story is emotional, and made me tear up at times. Especially the historical account. I applaud Wen for staying true to history. Some authors would probably shy away from that storyline simply because of the weight of it, but Wen wrote it gracefully, thoughtfully, and perfectly. And the surprise twist in the historical account - I really did not see that coming. WOW.

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is a stunning novel of love, forgiveness, and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and hung onto every single word. Highly recommend for historical and contemporary fiction fans alike.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Amanda’s newest book hooked me from the start. This is the third in the series. It can stand-alone but I would recommend reading the first two. Like the first two, this is a split time novel. The characters in each period had to deal with emotional hurts. They had to learn to forgive in order to move on with their lives. I liked the comments “God doesn’t need us to reach people. It’s not about us it’s about Jesus.” and “Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.”

Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

If ever there was a book title that fit the story on the pages, Amanda Wen’s The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that title!

Wen tackles the difficult topic of abuse in the church in a compelling and refined way. I couldn’t help but root for Siobhan and Matt as they become friends, and he shows her he’s trustworthy. The two could have easily parted ways with all the conflict of Siobhan’s past experiences at the place where Matt has a new job.

And then there’s the historical thread of the story. While people can’t see Siobhan’s wounds, Deborah covers hers every day. And the wound on her head isn’t nearly as tragic as the ones in her heart.

The little bonus with The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that those who have read the first two books in the series get to catch up with a few of those characters. At the same time, if you’re new to the author’s books, you will not be lost at all. And I think this book is the best of the series.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

"Apparently the much-touted unrelenting grace of Pursuers Church had its breaking point."
"I feel like God set me up to fall and then laughed at me when I did. He's supposed to an ever-present help in time of trouble. He's supposed to be a God of grace and forgiveness and special chances."

Siobhan made a mistake. Not only did it cost her a job but also her friends and her passion for music. Church played a part in that equation. Since that time, Siobhan has walked away from God and almost everyone else.

Deborah and her sister lived through a horrible tragedy. But she hasn't always felt like living. Finding out that the person responsible for her tragedy was not who she expected upended her world.

In this split timeline women's fiction/romance, both of these courageous women have to look at the tragedies of the past before they can move on into a better future. Is offering forgiveness even possible?

This book is SUCH a powerful story. I would not call it an easy read as both situations are a bit intense at times. But I loved how the author managed to weave grace throughout the story. Even if we are broken, we are not beyond healing.

This book is the third book in the Sedgewick County Chronicles series. I do suggest reading the other two books first as this one will be more meaningful if the back story is known. I loved all three of the books and highly recommend all of them.

I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

Matt Buchanan couldn't be more excited about his new job as a worship pastor at Pursuer's Church. He's now working underneath his mentor, the man who led him to Christ. Everything about this is a dream come true.

An accident with his grandmother's violin causes him to seek out a local luthier. He doesn't play, but the violin holds sentimental value. Though worried the violin will never be playable, luthier Siobhan agrees to restore it as best she can as a keepsake.

As Matt and Siobhan get to know each other as friends, Matt doesn't understand why Siobhan is resistant to going to church. As he unravels her story, he discovers that she has been harmed by the church—specifically his church, his pastor. She was used, abused, and shamed. No wonder she's hesitant to have anything to do with God.

The second half of this split-time story weaves a tale from the author's own family history. Deborah Caldwell survived a scalping as a child, but her life has been forever marred not only by scars but by terrible headaches and awkward stares from those around her. Will she ever be able to feel at home with anyone besides her father and sister? What of finding love and establishing a home of her own? And when she comes face to face with one from the scalping party all those years ago, how could she even begin to think about forgiving him?

Siobhan wrestles with coming to terms with her past, Matt questions what to do with the knowledge that his mentor is a predator, and Deborah seeks a grace deeper than any she could have imagined. This novel takes a square look at abuse in the church and deep wounds of the soul.

Amanda Wen tackles all these topics with such grace. Your skin will crawl with the realistic portrayal of those who are wolves in sheep's clothing, and your heart will soar through the sweet romance. The themes of this novel are woven skillfully through every thread. I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and hope you will be as blessed by it as I was!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is a beautifully written and heart-warming story. The story touches on a sensitive subject in today's culture - those in high positions in churches using their power to take advantage of parishioners in many ways. Throughout the pages the author shows with her characters how caring, friendship and love is so important in relationships and healing. Faith also plays an important part in the book, but is not there in a "preachy" way. The title of the book intrigued me, but I did not understand what it meant until I kept reading each chapter. It's a perfect title. This is the first book by Amanda Wen I have read, but I look forward to reading more. This filled my soul.

Forgiveness comes in many forms and many ways...

Wow, I really wasn't expecting this story at all. To be honest, I fell in love with the Sedgwick County Chronicles after reading the first book, so, when I saw Amanda Wen's name on the cover and that The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace was part of that series, well, I decided to read it without checking out the blurb.

As I said, this story was quite unexpected but I'd love to stand up and cheer for Amanda Wen's bravery in taking on the very tough topic in the contemporary thread of The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace. I can't say too much for fear of giving things away but I can tell you that it is long past time for it to be addressed in fiction as well as in real life. I found the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace to be very well done and nicely handled. The reminder that we cannot and should not take on the internal guilt nor allow others to manipulate us into blame for sins that have been committed against us – not by us – will be good for and encourage any reader who has or is facing it in their own lives.

It's hard for me to believe that The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace is the final Sedgwick County Chronicles novel. I've come to enjoy Amanda Wen's split time storytelling that is faintly reminiscent of Jaime Jo Wright but without the creepy and eerie vibes, and the characters have come to feel like friends. It's no fun saying goodbye but The Sedgwick County Chronicles has been a good series and it is one that I would recommend to any split-time fiction fan...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

This was an incredibly powerful story about forgiveness and God giving you the strength to forgive what you thought was unforgivable. I love split-time books and I've loved both books in this series but I had a little harder time with this one due to the subject matter in the contemporary part of the story. The historical story had tragedy and unthinkable sorrow; I can't even imagine losing almost your entire family but also having to endure horrible scars. It was beautiful seeing Deborah's love story, however, and what a wonderful man Levi was. And to read that this family was based on real people is amazing! The contemporary story was about a woman who needed healing and to forgive and to stop blaming herself for being manipulated and groomed into a toxic relationship. Siobhan had turned her back on God and her faith after being hurt and rejected and it was wonderful to watch Siobhan and her sister discover Deborah's story as they researched the violin's history and what it ultimately meant for Siobhan's healing. Matt was also an amazing man of faith and integrity in the contemporary story and it was wonderful to see how he encouraged Siobhan in her faith journey and toward healing. I loved seeing characters from the prior books show up in both timelines but you don't have to have read the other two books to enjoy this one. I suggest you don't miss out on them, though, because they were wonderful! I highly recommend this book, also!

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Netgalley for Just Read tours. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is a wonderful dual-timeline story that focuses around a violin. I have a love of violins so I loved this! Oh and Siobhan! It’s a name on my list to use for a girl someday. All my kiddos have Irish/Gaelic names so of course I wanted to get to know this main character more.

I really enjoyed how the violin tied the two storylines together. Watching the characters grow and figure out life and their true selves was also fun. They have to overcome and forgive.

Oh and I should mention this is the third book in a series. I have not read the first two. Makes me sad that I’ve missed out now. Definitely going to have to read them now. That said it did not make it so I could not read or understand this book. It read well as a stand-alone book. I could see how it tied to the other books but I didn’t lose anything by not reading them first.

Let me know what you think of this book!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This story! How can I find the words to describe my thoughts and emotions? Author Amanda Wen shares a stunning depiction of people who've been wounded by someone that they trust, and the steps they take to overcome the hurt and deception. The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is told as a dual-timeline story. One is current day and the other is set in the 1800s, but the common thread that ties them together is a violin. As the contemporary story progresses we learn that Siobhan and Matt have both been deceived by a person they trusted and respected. Will their new friendship be the first step to recovery?

Both timelines in The Rhythm of Fractured Grace are filled with hurt and betrayal, with many of the characters struggling to fully trust again. I found myself turning the pages to see if these hurting people would find healing, peace, and finally, the amazing grace of forgiveness!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

This is a beautifully written dual-timeline story that grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a powerful story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy from Independent Publishers Group via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I just have to say how beautifully written this book is. It seems that I am once again at a loss for the right words to describe the journey I have just taken through a new Wen story.

This gritty, dual-time story weaves effortlessly together while dealing with the hard topic of church abuse coupled with coercive authority. The historical thread describes a physical attack (not graphic) that leaves deep emotional scars, insecurity and bitterness. Both accounts speak to restoration and forgiveness.

Wen has again crafted characters that are resilient, contemplative and just trying to find the “life after” the enormous hurt. She does this in a respectful way, all the while echoing that we are all broken people that need Jesus.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book.

A tender dual timeline story of healing, restoration and love.

A heart tugging story that digs deep, tenderly handling two unique and captivating stories of strong women a hundred years apart finding hope and healing through faith. An emotional read with likable characters, and an engaging plot. I liked how the author dealt with the difficult topic of abuse within the church in a real and honest way. I was equally captivated by both Siobhan and Deborah's stories, and enjoyed the strong themes of faith and restoration.

Levi and Matt are both patient and understanding, and I liked how they gave the women in their lives space to process things, but also were there by their sides. I adored Levi's tender and steady growing love for Deborah.

Highly recommend this stirring tale of faith, forgiveness and healing!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In the modern day, Siobhan Walsh is a woman who has been deeply hurt by the church, to the point that she wants no part of it. In 1876, Deborah Caldwell is a woman who has been ravaged by a vicious attack, yet she somehow survived. Their stories cross when Matt Buchanan, himself pretty seriously injured in a car accident, brings a broken violin, only valuable for what it means to him, to the repair shop where Siobhan works.

I do love a good dual-timeline story, and Amanda Wen gives us a fantastic one! (It was so good, I sat down, got sucked in, and read it in about two hours!) Deborah struggles with the idea that she will never find love, never be a wife and mother. When Levi Martinson needs a mother for his daughter and asks for Deborah’s hand, at first she balks, longing for a marriage of more than convenience. She questions why God let her survive the attack if this was all He had in mind for the rest of her life. Siobhan used to sing, play the violin, pour her heart out in worship as part of a large church’s worship team. But the actions of one person drove her away, and she’s farther from God than she’s ever been, wondering where He went.

Both Siobhan and Deborah are damaged, Deborah physically, Siobhan emotionally. Both must find courage they don’t think they have. When Deborah learns that her attacker was not a Sioux Indian, as she’d always believed, but someone much closer, she must decide whether she will allow God to help her forgive. Siobhan’s past experience has left her shying away not only from God, but from the idea of a relationship with anyone. When she starts feeling things for Matt that she swore never to let herself feel again, she is faced with a choice: cut Matt off and walk away, or face her past in order to move into a future with him?

The story deals sensitively with a timely topic in its treatment of abuse of power and position within the church. Siobhan left her church and her faith because no one believed her when she tried to tell the truth. She wasn’t the one responsible for putting butts in the pews and winning souls to Christ, so her version of the story clearly carried less weight. My heart just hurt for her, and for anyone who’s been in that position in real life.

The violin reaches across the years to connect Deborah’s and Siobhan’s stories. As Siobhan works to restore the damage to the violin, so we see God work in both women’s lives to restore faith, dignity, and hope. It made me think of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum powder. Matt even noticed at one point in the book that Siobhan looked different. He was able to see a physical change in her after God mended her emotional and spiritual wounds. The broken, made beautiful.

Faith is a central component of the book, but it never feels heavy-handed. This is no fire and brimstone “repent or die” story. Rather, God draws both Deborah and Siobhan back to Himself with tender love and concern for them, and He works through their weakness to give them strength to do the hard things they are faced with. What a gorgeous picture of redemption and God’s unfailing love!

I am a big fan of Amanda Wen’s work and have read every single book she has published! When I found out that Ms. Wen’s latest release, The Rhythm of Fractured Grace was coming out I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is the third book in the Sedgwick County Chronicles series and is a split time novel set in Kansas during the 1870s and present day. The story revolves around Deborah, a woman who bares scars and trauma from a scalping and Levi, a widower with a young daughter, who are in an arranged marriage in the 1870s and in present day, Siobhan, who struggles with hurt and trauma from the Church and Matt who strikes up a friendship with Siobhan, who unbeknownst to both Matt and Siobhan has accepted a job as the new worship leader at the church who caused Siobhan so much pain. Everything is going along well for all parties until Deborah finds out her long lost brother-in-law who recently returns is the primary one who caused Deborah scars and Matt starts noticing the toxic environment at the church that helped cultivate Siobhan’s pain. Using a violin as a catalyst, the scars both seen and unseen cause both Deborah and Siobhan’s stories to be intertwined and allow the balm of True Healing Love to sooth their scars.

Ms. Wen does not disappoint when crafting a beautiful story without glossing over truths of struggle of what happens or has happened in life, but allows Christ’s Love and Grace to fill the cracks, holding the Story together. I love that Ms. Wen is not afraid to tell stories and truth that most author’s shy away from, but faced them head on in Deborah and Siobhan’s personal stories. I love that Wen also crafts equally strong men in Levi and Matt to be Deborah and Siobhan’s counterparts. I also love how Levi loves Deborah regardless of what she has been through and how Matt loves Siobhan unconditionally despite everything she has been through. I appreciate how Ms. Wen allows and writes Siobhan’s story to involve church wrongs and hurt head on and still emphasizes in a gentle and hopeful way not to give up on God, letting people know that there is still good, faithful churches and people out there who do stand up for what’s right. I appreciated the ups and downs of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and that the Author was able to give all of the characters closure for the story’s purposes, but at the same time both the characters and the readers know their journey is just beginning. If you are looking for powerful read full of Grace, Forgiveness, and Truth then I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen!

Have you read The Rhythm of Fractured Grace? What did you think of the book? What other books have you read by Amanda Wen?

Thank you to Amanda Wen for letting me be a part of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace Launch Team and Erin for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

"And each day, each moment, each new thing we get through together.... is another brick in the foundation of our lives, There's nothing magic about that. It's God's faithfulness and your own conscious choices."

Oh, man. How is it possible that I have not read a full-length Amanda Wen novel until now? The graceful melody of the author's voice, the heart-wrenching rawness of life, soul-reaching power of forgiveness through God and tenderness of unconditional love in this novel are beautifully wrapped gifts that everyone needs. The back-and-forth from present time to 1876 is flawless and how the two storylines converge on a violin is priceless.

I loved Matt and Siobhan from the present time. Matt and his gentle and steadfast love totally won me over. I could totally hear him in my head as he led worship and practiced with his team. Siobhan, though battered and bruised, was easy to love and her path to repentance and forgiveness was incredibly emotional. Levi and Deborah from 1876 were equally worthy counterparts. Levi loved Deborah with an unconditional love and Deborah, battered and bruised in a different way, had to learn to repent and forgive as well.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page. I cannot wait to go back and read the other two books in the series!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Amanda Wen writes the most compelling stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed her earlier stories and this dual time read pulled me in quickly. I loved how the timelines complimented each other and how the struggles of the two main female characters were similar. Forgiveness is a major thread in both storylines and both showed how hard it can be to forgive when you’ve been badly hurt. This story is a great example of how hard forgiveness can be but how freeing it can be to forgive. A beautifully written story.


I received a copy of this book from the author, and was not required to post a positive opinion. All thoughts are my own.

*Soli Deo Gloria-To God be the glory.*
I am very fond of dual time stories and this one was great. I was more interested in the historical time period which was about Deborah, her family, Levi and his daughter, Nora. Fascinating was the fact that the 1876 part was based on the real ancestors of the author. I loved the relationship between Deborah and Levi which at the outset was a marriage of convenience. Levi was a caring and considerate man who let Deborah grow into grace.
Both timelines dealt with harsh realities, the need to rely on God and learn to forgive the seemingly unforgivable. *Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.*
I loved the way that a violin tied the two time periods together.
In the present day, Siobhan was a prodigal daughter. I really felt for her as she questioned God when she had sinned, fell away and was making her way back to trusting Him. And I liked the way Matt wanted to be instrumental in her seeing God’s goodness again.
This book pointed out the dangers that can lurk in any church when those in authority misuse the trust of vulnerable people. The author called attention to a hard truth that there are wolves masquerading as sheep even in churches. Every one of us are not above sinning. We all need Christ. *It’s about Jesus-Nothing more-nothing less.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

1876 and Current Day Wichita, Kansas

Beautiful story about forgiveness. And forgiveness for REALLY difficult things. I loved that one of the characters shared she prayed to God to want to want to forgive. In some situations, forgiveness is a process and not at all easy.

In the 19th Century thread, two sisters survived being scalped. Their lives were more difficult as a result - headaches, prone to head injuries, ridicule. They could choose to wallow in pity or forgive and get on with living.

In the current day thread, a young women is the prey of pastor with a sexual deviance issue. This certainly didn't inspire her to want to continue attending the pastor's church. Her faith in God also suffered.

The connection between the time periods is a violin. I loved how music played a key role in the novel.

Beautifully written!

“Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God . . .”

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by talented author Amanda Wen is the third book in her Sedgwick County Chronicles series. It is a poignant and heart-tugging story of forgiveness, healing, and God’s grace. The author handles the rather difficult subject matter with sensitivity and care. Filled with fractured characters in both timelines—current day Wichita and 1870s Kansas—this tale grabbed my attention from the first and wouldn’t let go until the end. Siobhan Walsh, a violin repairer, and Matt Buchanan, newly hired as a worship pastor were both engaging and interesting. As Siobhan works to repair Matt’s antique violin, their lives intersect in ways they’d never imagine.

“Maybe God hadn’t moved. Maybe Siobhan had.”

The author tied the two timelines together seamlessly with the back story of how the violin came to be in Matt’s possession.

The beautiful cover and perfect title combined to entice me to read this story, and I’m so glad I did. I know I’m in for a moving and inspirational tale when I read one of Amanda Wen’s books. I recommend this book to those who enjoy deeply moving and beautifully written dual timeline stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own.